Dr.-Paul-Rosenbaum-Platz, Ahlen

Large and very large festivals have given the Dr.-Paul-Rosenbaum-Platz supra-regional significance for decades. At the same time, the 2.5-hectare square represents one of the most important open spaces for the surrounding heterogeneous urban area in the south-east of Ahlen. Its hidden potential lies in its spaciousness and lack of programming: it can do ‘more than just festivals’ - it also offers the opportunity to establish a lively and actively usable green open space. The high proportion of greenery at the edges and the centre designed as a hard-wearing gravel lawn will make the square more of a park in future. Its edges will be developed out of the existing area and supplemented with additional trees. Activity and rest areas developed from the framework will be covered by a loose border of trees that are compatible with the urban climate. The furniture in the transition area between the border and the clearing contributes to the revitalisation of the open-use centre of the square. The low level of sealing and decentralised infiltration, combined with robust mixed planting, ensures that rainwater is handled sustainably and the square is largely decoupled from the sewer.